Advocacy: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this in a formal context when speaking about actively supporting a cause or proposal, typically with organized efforts.

• She is known for her advocacy of women's rights.
• The organization engages in advocacy to improve environmental policies.

Use this in a general context when offering assistance, backing, or help.

• She found great support from her friends and family during the difficult times.
• The charity relies on the support of volunteers.

This word is used for activities or efforts to advance something, typically a product, idea, or event, often in a business or marketing context.

• The company is investing a lot in the promotion of its new software.
• Her job involves the promotion of local tourism.

This is used when you are protecting or justifying something, often in response to criticism or attack.

• He provided a strong defense of his actions during the meeting.
• The lawyer's defense strategy was convincing to the jury.

Used in formal contexts, often by organizations or individuals who actively support a cause or policy.

• The organization is known for its strong advocacy for human rights.
• Her advocacy of environmental protection has inspired many people.

Commonly used in marketing or official contexts, where a person or organization publicly supports a product, service, or idea.

• The celebrity's endorsement of the brand boosted its sales significantly.
• The politician's endorsement from a popular figure helped secure more votes.

Implies a strong and active effort to support or defend a cause or person. Often used in contexts where someone is leading a campaign or movement.

• She is known for championing women's rights across the globe.
• By championing local artists, the gallery is helping to promote regional talent.

Refers to support given to someone or something, usually in financial, emotional, or social terms.

• Thanks to the financial backing of investors, the startup was able to launch successfully.
• He received the backing of his family in his career change.

Advocacy is typically used to describe the act of supporting a cause or policy. It is often associated with professional or organized efforts to bring about change, particularly in a legal, social, or political context.

• She works in child advocacy, helping to protect children's rights.
• His advocacy for environmental policies has garnered widespread support.

Lobbying involves attempting to influence the decisions of government officials or lawmakers, often by representing a particular group or interest. It can have a neutral or negative connotation, depending on the methods and motivations behind the lobbying.

• The company hired a firm to do lobbying on their behalf to pass favorable legislation.
• Lobbying efforts by health organizations successfully led to stricter smoking regulations.

Activism refers to vigorous and intentional actions taken to bring about social or political change. Activism often involves protests, demonstrations, and other public actions.

• She is involved in climate change activism, regularly participating in marches and rallies.
• His activism in the civil rights movement left a significant impact.

Campaigning is the organized effort to promote a specific political candidate, cause, or policy. It often involves a series of activities like rallies, advertisements, and public speaking to garner support.

• She spent months campaigning for her local representative.
• His campaign to increase public transportation funding included town hall meetings and social media engagement.